Game Changers: from Nutritionist to Software Test Engineer - Carla Santos
In the Game Changers series, Fabamaq gives voice to stories of change that show how it is possible to reinvent professional paths and find new opportunities in the tech industry. Carla Santos’s story is one such example. With a degree in Nutrition Sciences, her initial career was halted by the pandemic, and she decided to start over, this time in technology. Today, she is part of Fabamaq’s Game Testing team as a Software Test Engineer, ensuring the quality and performance of the games that reach thousands of players worldwide.
A change starts with a step
With a degree in Nutrition Sciences and a master’s in Consumer and Nutrition Sciences, Carla was ready to begin her career when the pandemic disrupted her plans. The mandatory internship was suspended, and the path that seemed certain suddenly no longer made sense.
In that context, she began to explore other ways to spend her time and stay motivated. Between coaching football for children, teaching English, and personal challenges, Carla discovered new skills: the ability to communicate with different audiences, the flexibility to adapt to unexpected situations, and the determination not to give up when facing obstacles.
Still, the feeling that something was missing remained. Her interest in technology, which had been present since childhood, became increasingly evident.
The final push came from her family. Her brother, who had also gone through a career change with the SwitchDev program, shared his experience and showed her that starting over was possible. That advice became the spark that led Carla to leap into a new professional game.
The beginning of a new professional path
Before SwitchDev, Carla completed a short course with SheCodes that gave her the first foundations of programming. The real challenge came after nine intense months of learning, overcoming difficulties, and pursuing one clear goal: discovering a new professional passion in technology.
“The course demanded a lot, but I learned that we are capable of much more than we think. And I was lucky to be surrounded by incredible people throughout the process.”
Today, as a Software Test Engineer at Fabamaq, Carla’s focus is on ensuring the quality and performance of the casino games developed by the gaming company.
A new play at Fabamaq
Starting at Fabamaq came with the natural anxiety of switching careers, but also with the support of a team that invests in the talent and potential of every Gamer.
“I quickly felt integrated. The team welcomed me with open arms and gradually gave me more autonomy. Today, I feel they trust my work, and that gives me confidence to keep growing.”
Skills that don’t get lost, they transform
During her path before technology, Carla developed skills that still make a difference every day:
- Teamwork
- Conflict management
- Adaptability
- Resilience and flexibility
“Changing careers doesn’t erase what you learned before. On the contrary, it enriches the way you think, solve problems, and collaborate.”
A story to inspire
Today, Carla wants her experience to inspire those considering a career change or looking for an IT job in Porto.
At Fabamaq, she found more than just an IT job; she found a space to grow, reinvent herself, and help create online casino games that engage thousands of players around the world.
Discover more Game Changers from Fabamaq
Do you want to keep exploring stories of people who changed careers and found their place in the world of technology? Read also about Gabriel Moço, who left the Marine Biology lab to become a Software Engineer at a casino gaming company. His story proves that changing direction can truly be the jackpot.
